When considering international schools, the 'American Curriculum' is a major option alongside the IB (International Baccalaureate) and the British Curriculum (A-Level).
However, unlike systems in other countries that have standardized national exams, the American system allows for a high degree of freedom for each school, which often leads to questions from many parents.
- 'Is it true there are no textbooks? What are the standards for learning?'
- 'If it's not based on a single final exam, how are grades (GPA) determined?'
- 'Does this curriculum provide qualifications for entering Japanese universities?'
The essence of the American system lies in a 'holistic evaluation' that considers not just test scores, but also daily effort and extracurricular activities.
In this article, we will explain the learning standards like Common Core, the GPA system that is central to academic assessment, and the essential WASC accreditation required for graduation, all based on the latest information.
1. "No Textbooks?" The Reality of the American Curriculum
The American curriculum does not have national textbooks or a standardized national curriculum.
Instead, each school designs its lessons based on 'learning standards.'
Key Learning Standards
- Common Core State Standards (CCSS): Nationwide standards that define learning goals for English Language Arts and Mathematics.
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): Science standards that emphasize the process of scientific inquiry.
Instead of teaching a textbook from cover to cover, teachers select various materials freely to help students achieve a specific standard, such as 'developing the ability to construct a logical argument' for that grade level. In other words, the focus is not on 'how many pages have been covered,' but on 'what skills have been acquired.'
2. How Grades Are Determined: The Importance of GPA, Not a Single Exam
In American-style high schools, the key to university admission is the GPA (Grade Point Average).
While the IB and IGCSE systems heavily rely on final exams, the American system quantifies a student's 'continuous assessment'—their cumulative daily work.
GPA is typically composed of the following elements (percentages may vary by school):
- Tests/Quizzes (40-50%): Unit tests and short quizzes.
- Homework/Assignments (20-30%): The rate of submission and quality of daily homework.
- Projects/Essays (20-30%): Group work and reports.
- Participation (10%): In-class contributions and attitude.
Important Note: Even if a student gets a perfect score on a test, their grade can drop to a 'B' or 'C' if they fail to submit homework or are inattentive in class. Conversely, this can be seen as a 'system that rewards consistent effort.'
3. The Validity of a Diploma: Is It Not a High School Qualification Without WASC Accreditation?
Since the United States does not have a central authority like a Ministry of Education, the quality of schools is assured by 'accreditation bodies.'
For international schools in the Asia region, including Japan, the most important of these is WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Why is Accreditation Important?
- University Entrance Qualifications: A High School Diploma from a school accredited by WASC (or other bodies like NEASC, CIS, etc.) is recognized as a legitimate high school qualification for 'returnee (kikokusei) admissions' and 'comprehensive selection admissions' at Japanese universities.
- Risks of Non-Accredited Schools: Graduating from a self-proclaimed 'international school' without accreditation may legally classify it as a private tutoring school ('juku'), meaning the diploma may not be recognized as a valid high school qualification, potentially making the student ineligible for university entrance.
When choosing a school, always check its official website for a statement such as 'Accredited by WASC.'
4. American vs. British vs. IB: Which is the Right Fit for Your Child?
Feature | American | British (A-Level) | IB (International Baccalaureate) |
Learning Style | Credit-based & Elective System Flexible choice of subjects. | Early Specialization Focus on 3-4 subjects in depth. | Holistic & Compulsory Study a broad range of 6 subjects. |
Assessment Method | GPA (Continuous Assessment) Daily homework and participation are key. | Final Exam Focused Determined by exams at the end of two years. | Final Exams + Internal Assessment Balanced, but with a heavy emphasis on exams. |
Graduation Qualification | High School Diploma (+ AP for extra credit) | A-Level / IGCSE | IB Diploma |
Best Suited For | ・Students who are diligent and consistent ・Students who want to pursue sports or arts ・Students who do not perform well under the pressure of single high-stakes exams | ・Students with clear strengths in certain subjects ・Students who want to specialize in a specific field ・Students who enjoy math or science | ・All-rounders ・Students who enjoy inquiry-based learning ・Students who prefer not to have weak subjects |
5. Conclusion: The Importance of Daily Study Management to Maintain a High GPA
The biggest advantage of the American curriculum is that it 'offers second chances.'
If a student performs poorly on a quiz, they can make up for it with the next project or homework assignment. However, the flip side is that 'you can't afford to let your guard down for a single day.'
To aim for top universities (requiring a GPA of 3.8-4.0 or higher), strong 'time management skills' are essential to consistently handle challenging essay assignments and presentation preparations every night.
ELT Eikaiwa | GPA & Academic Support
At ELT Eikaiwa, we provide support for the daily assignments unique to the American curriculum to help students maximize their GPA.
- Homework Support: We help students understand the purpose of their daily homework and improve the quality of their submissions.
- Essay Editing: We provide guidance on writing essays with a 'logical structure' that meets Common Core standards.
- AP Test Prep: We also offer instruction for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which can serve as an additional asset on top of a high GPA.
Because 'cramming the night before an exam' doesn't work in the American system, let's build winning study habits together with a professional partner.
